A Day in the Life of a Community Health Worker

The Advancing Newborn, Child and Reproductive Health (ANCRE) program, funded by USAID and led by University Research Co., LLC, strengthens the community health system and empowers the population in Benin to make healthy choices. The program trains community health workers (CHWs) to teach others about essential family practices, which include evidence-based practices to curb the avoidable causes of illnesses and reduce maternal, infant, and child mortality. As community leaders equipped with this specialized training, CHWs are uniquely situated to influence families and individuals and promote better health practices. This means that they not only teach about symptoms and prevention but explain what to do and where to go when a child or family member falls ill, encouraging more visits to health centers, which can save lives.